The Snowy Owl is circumpolar and can be found inAlaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia, and many areas north of the Arctic Circle. It has a wide distribution area and will at times migrate to areas south of the Arctic Circle. There have been reports of Snowy Owls inIreland, China, and as far south as Texas and Georgia.

Diet

Snowy Owls will most often feed on small rodents including lemmings and voles.Rabbits are another staple of the Snowy Owl's diet. The owls are opportunistic and will also feed on other types of birds such as ptarmigans as well as bird eggs of larger birds.

Habitat

Snowy Owls will build their nests on the ground, typically in a higher place than the surrounding land so that they will have good visibility to predators and prey.

Size and Description

Snowy Owls are among the largest owls in the Arctic as well as North America. They range from 1.75 - 2 feet in length and have a wingspan of 4.5 - 5.5 feet. Snowy Owls are white with dark spots, and the amount of spots will vary from owl to owl. Some Snowy Owls are virtually all white. Snowy Owls have yellow eyes that are fixed in the eye socket, and they have the ability to move their heads approximately 270 degrees in both directions. Snowy Owls have a thick layer of feathers on their body as well as their feet to enable them to survive in the tundra.

Reproduction

Mating season for Snowy Owls can occur from April - June and sometimes throughout the summer. The female Snowy Owl will lay between 2 - 14 eggs per clutch. After the eggs are laid it will take between 4 - 5 weeks for the eggs to hatch. Both the male and female will tend to the nest until the young are ready to leave.